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Home , Adoption (theology)

Blessed with every Spiritual Blessing January 31, 2016

The Plan of the Father, Adoption Eph 1:5-6 Introduction Ephesians was written to normal people, God expects us to understand this vs 1-14 The Divine Plan of God’s Grace vs 3-6 The Work of vs 7-12 The Work of vs 13-14 The Work of God the Holy Spirit “to the praise of His glory”

The Plan of God, Every Spiritual Blessing vs 3 Blessed with every spiritual blessing, ______Positional Truth, , Every believer is baptized into the Body of Christ, 1 Cor 12:13 From our position in Christ, flow a myriad of divine blessing (last week) But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and , and , that just as it is written, Let him who boasts, boast in , 1 Cor 1:30-31

The First Blessing from God the Father vs 4 Just as He chose us the means: ______when: before the foundation of the world for what purpose: that we would be ______and ______The emphasis of Paul, the choice of God in the unfolding of His Plan 2 Thess 2:13-14 God has chosen you all, (plural), How: “through the sanctification by the Spirit, and ______in the truth”

The Second Blessing vs 5 He predestined us to ______as ______The word:  pro orizo to set boundaries beforehand, to appoint or determine beforehand Best translation: to pre determine, to pre appoint Modern day example: A Will predetermines what happens when a person dies (See Notes, page 3-4) The word is used six times in the NT, in each case, some aspect of God’s Plan has been predetermined. It is NEVER used related to who is saved or not saved. Three Questions: 1) Who is doing the determining? 2) What is it exactly, that has been predetermined? 3) Who is affected by the determination?

1 Blessed with every Spiritual Blessing January 31, 2016

Adopted as Adult Sons Adoption is the legal transaction by God, where a person is transferred from being in Adam, to being in Christ. Adoption is a once and for all change in family status. The Believer in Christ has full status as an adult son of God. Gal 4:1-7 No longer a slave, but a Son vs 1-2 The example of a minor under a guardian. vs 3-4 We were children held in bondage, But God at the perfect time sent Jesus… vs 5 Two fold purpose: so He might ______those under the Law that we might receive the ______as sons. vs 6-7 Two Results of Adoption: 1) An ______of our personal relationship We can approach God with the confidence of an Adult Son Intimate expression of sonship, “Abba Father” Mark 14:32-36

2) An ______awaits the Adopted Son

The redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, made Adoption possible. Believers stand before God in the place and privilege of full adult sons.

God is Kind Eph 1:5 according to the kind intention of His will God is kind and generous! Main Points God the Father in His Plan of Grace has chosen to bless the believer in Christ, with every spiritual blessing, namely: vs 4 We will stand before Him holy and blameless We are precious to God, We are chosen of God, We are “choice ones” vs 5 We are predestined to be adopted as Sons into the Royal Family of God. We can experience full in our relationship with God. We can approach God as an adult son, with any situation in life, Heb 4:16 God is Kind. His Plan for us is off the chart Generous.

2 Blessed with every Spiritual Blessing January 31, 2016

Predestination Predestination is a word that is often equated with Election. Careful examination of the meaning of the word, and how it is used in Scripture, shows us otherwise. With all the books that have been written about predestination, it is of interest to note the word is used only five times in Scripture. The word:  pro orizo to set boundaries beforehand, to appoint or determine beforehand Best translation: to pre determine, to pre appoint Acts 4:28 In the context of a prayer: people gathered against Jesus, to do whatever Thy Hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur… God’s power and counsel had previously appointed the crucifixion to happen. Rom 8:29 For whom.… He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… The predetermined destiny of believers is to be conformed to Jesus. God has previously appointed those who love God to be conformed… Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; them he also called… vs 29-30 gives God’s overall plan for believers, from foreknowledge to . 1 Cor 2:7 Paul is describing wisdom: but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers… The wisdom of God, regarding Jesus (vs 8 who was crucified) was predestined. Eph 1:5 Paul is describing the every spiritual blessing, of believers, He predestined us to adoption as sons, through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will. God’s pre-determined plan for believers is adoption. God has previously appointed believers “to adoption as sons.” Eph 1:11 Paul is describing the blessings of being In Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will God’s plan for believers, the inheritance of Christ, is predestined. God has previously appointed those in Christ (believers) to obtain the inheritance He has planned. Observations: Acts 4:28 God pre-determined the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Rom 8:29-30 Believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. 1 Cor 2:7 God has predestined the revealing of the wisdom of God regarding Jesus Christ. Eph 1:5, 11 God has predestined His plan for those in Christ, believers. They are to be adopted as adult sons, and receive His inheritance.

3 Blessed with every Spiritual Blessing January 31, 2016

Root Word:  horizo to determine, to appoint, to declare, to designate to decide the border Lk 22:22 the upcoming crucifixion “ as it has been determined” Acts 2:23 Jesus delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God Acts 10:42 Jesus is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge… Acts 11:29 the disciples determined to send relief for the brethren living in Judea Acts 17:26 God has determined their appointed times and boundaries of their habitation Acts 17:31 through a Man (Jesus) whom He has appointed, having furnished proof… Rom 1:4 His Son, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection Heb 4:7 God again, determines, fixes a certain day… Conclusions on the meaning and use of horizo: The root word horizo means to determine or appoint. In all but 2 uses, it relates to the Plan of God regarding Jesus Christ. It is used in a normal sense of disciples determining to help other believers. It is also used of God determining the time and place each person lives. Conclusions on the meaning and use of pro orizo: The word translated predestinate, is best understood to mean pre-determine, or pre-appoint. God has pre-appointed, predestined His Plan for Jesus Christ in providing , and His plan for believers. The word refers to the active exercise of the will of God by which certain results of His Plan are brought to pass. The emphasis of the word is on the final end. Ex: If you get on the Airport Express Lanes, you will arrive at the airport. Those who get on the highway of salvation, are predestined (pre-appointed) to arrive as adopted sons of God. Predestination relates to God’s Plan for believers. The word is not used regarding unbelievers. The word is NEVER used in a context of who God predestined to save or who God predestined to proceed to hell. Ez 18:23; 2 Pet 3:9; 2 Chron 16:9; Acts 17:30-31 God has pre-determined the best possible Plan. God has predestined the Plan of Salvation made possible through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son and to be adopted into His family, sharing in His inheritance.

Let us always be asking the question, “What does the Scripture say?” (Rom 4:3) rather than ”What do the theologians or church traditions say?”

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